How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When you are seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter are essential. But, having good content isn’t enough. The layout of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one can help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let a professional like Alice Springs Resume handle the formatting for you.
The first thing to discuss is the rules of cover letter formatting.
- Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult to read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, font size, and formatting in the letter of cover.
- Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing, and allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
- Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. It should include your name, address as well as your phone number and email address.
- Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name if possible, and tailor your letter to match the job which you’re applying.
Let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter format.
- Do not use a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the business you’re applying to.
- Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and to the point.
- Avoid using fancy layouts. Keep it simple and professional layout.
- Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
- Don’t forget to sign the letter.
While it’s essential to be aware of the structure of your cover letter, it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as Alice Springs Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format your cover letter to make you stand out among your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the content of your letter.
Our team can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job and company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct in its writing and simple to understand.
In the end, a properly formatted cover letter will make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and maybe employing a professional such as Alice Springs Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that can help you stand out from your crowd. Contact us at 1300 326 135 or use the contact form to reach us with any questions you may have.
